Out Loud! is the only author series of its kind in the Cedar Rapids metro area, and complements the occasional readings presented by others in the community, as well as similar programming in Iowa City.

The series is funded by the Giacoletto Foundation. The Giacoletto Foundation was established in 2007, fulfilling the wishes of the late Giacoletto brothers. Born in Clinton, Indiana, John worked for Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids and Lawrence was a professor of engineering at Michigan State University.